Romanian Govt OKs Holiday Tickets For Employees

“In the context of the current economic climate, we believe this measure will support the development of national tourism, as well as the activity of small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector,” Udrea told a press conference.

 

She said employers will give holiday tickets to personnel hired based on individual labor contracts.

 

“Holiday tickets will be granted within the limit of six gross minimum wages and they can be used on Romanian territory; those who agree to accept such tickets as payment are called affiliated units and they require approval from the Ministry of Tourism under Ordinance 58/98,” Udrea said.

 

The holiday tickets could be used starting with the Easter Holiday, as the enforcement methodology is to be approved by government decisions within the next 15 days.

 

Udrea could not give an estimative for the public funds to be spend on the holiday tickets, saying the ticket’s value differs according to the professional training of the employees.

 

Monthly gross minimum wages in Romania reach 600 lei (EUR1=RON4.2950) for employees without qualifications, while employees with higher education receive a minimum wage of up to RON1,200 per month.

 

In January, the authorities in Bucharest and social partners held consultations on possible anti-crisis measures, including the urgent introduction of holiday tickets for employees.

 

The measure was estimated to take out some RON2 billion (0.35% of the gross domestic product) of public money.